SB19, Kento Nakajima officially release collaborative version of ‘GENTO’

The collaboration between P-Pop sensation SB19 and Japanese singer-actor Kento Nakajima has finally arrived.

Released on 30 October, "Gento feat. Kento Nakajima" marks the first official recording between the two artists after months of anticipation from fans in the Philippines, Japan and beyond.

The collaboration was first unveiled during Summer Sonic 2026 in Tokyo on 15 August, where SB19 and Nakajima surprised festivalgoers by performing the song together. The live performance quickly became one of the event's standout moments, highlighting the growing connection between the Philippine and Japanese music scenes.

The project traces its roots to the "Gento with Kento Nakajima" TikTok series filmed during SB19's visit to Japan last year. What started as a social media collaboration eventually developed into a full-fledged recording, with Nakajima contributing original lyrics to the new version.

While the song retains the central themes of perseverance, ambition and earning success that made "Gento" a defining hit for SB19, the collaboration also introduces Nakajima's own musical style.

"We're truly happy to have collaborated with Kento," SB19 said. "This collaboration has also reminded us of the power of music. It has been a while since we released 'Gento,' but its message, its musicality, and its goal of changing people's lives through the beat have not faded at all, and they continue to reach many hearts."

The group added that Nakajima was a natural choice for the project — not only because of the playful similarity between his name and the song's title, but also because they saw him embody the same energy and message behind "Gento" during their meetings in Japan and their reunion at Summer Sonic.

Nakajima shared that the excitement surrounding the collaboration has continued since its festival debut.

"Since the Summer Sonic performance, music fans in general, not just fans of the two acts, have been eagerly waiting for the release," he said. "With today's launch, this historic collaboration goes beyond the excitement of the venue and reaches fans around the world."

SB19 has continued to build its international profile this year, staging sold-out concerts across several territories and wrapping up its Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale in April.

Nakajima, meanwhile, has expanded his solo career following the release of his debut album N/bias in 2024. The Japanese artist has mounted arena concerts and tours across Japan, performed in Taipei and Hong Kong, and is currently touring in support of his latest releases, including "Oni-gokko" and "Fiction Love."